Guide: How to Say “This and That” in Chinese

Gaining proficiency in a new language is an exciting and rewarding journey. As you delve into the world of Chinese, familiarizing yourself with everyday expressions is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn how to say “this and that” in Chinese, both formally and informally. While we’ll primarily focus on Standard Chinese, also known as Mandarin, we’ll touch upon regional variations when necessary. So, let’s get started!

Formal Ways to Say “This and That” in Chinese

When it comes to formal situations, it’s important to use appropriate language. Here are some phrases you can use to express “this and that” formally:

1. 这个和那个 (zhè gè hé nà gè)
Translation: This one and that one

2. 这些和那些 (zhè xiē hé nà xiē)
Translation: These and those

3. 来者不拒、去者不追 (lái zhě bù jù, qù zhě bù zhuī)
Translation: Accept those who come, do not pursue those who leave

The first two phrases simply translate “this and that” directly, whereas the third phrase is an idiom that can be used more figuratively for discussing people or things entering and leaving.

Informal Ways to Say “This and That” in Chinese

Informally, the Chinese language offers various phrases to convey “this and that.” These phrases are suitable for casual conversations with friends, family, or peers:

1. 这个那个 (zhè gè nà gè)
Translation: This one and that one

2. 这些那些 (zhè xiē nà xiē)
Translation: These and those

3. 这样那样 (zhè yàng nà yàng)
Translation: This way and that way / Like this and like that

The phrases above reflect the informality of everyday speech, making them ideal for casual settings.

Tips for Using “This and That” in Chinese Conversations

Now that we’ve covered the basic phrases, here are some tips to help you effectively incorporate “this and that” into your Chinese conversations:

1. Pay attention to the context: Understand how the phrase “this and that” is used in specific situations to express your thoughts accurately.
2. Use appropriate tones: Tones play a crucial role in Chinese. Ensure you pronounce each word correctly with the right tone, so as not to confuse the listener.
3. Practice with native speakers: Engaging in conversations with native Chinese speakers enables you to fine-tune your pronunciation and fluency while also gaining insight into regional variations.
4. Expand your vocabulary: Consistently expanding your vocabulary will equip you with alternative ways to express yourself and avoid repetition.

Examples:

Let’s look at a few examples to see how “this and that” can be used in Chinese sentences:

1. 这个苹果很甜，那个梨很酸。(zhè gè píng guǒ hěn tián, nà gè lí hěn suān)
Translation: This apple is sweet, that pear is sour.

2. 我喜欢这些书，但不喜欢那些电影。(wǒ xǐ huān zhè xiē shū, dàn bù xǐ huān nà xiē diàn yǐng)
Translation: I like these books, but I don’t like those movies.

3. 这样做不好，那样更糟糕。(zhè yàng zuò bù hǎo, nà yàng gèng zāo gāo)
Translation: This way is not good, that way is even worse.

By studying these examples, you’ll gain a better understanding of how to use “this and that” appropriately.

Regional Variations

In Chinese, regional variations exist due to the diversity of dialects across different areas. While we’ve primarily focused on Standard Chinese (Mandarin) so far, here are a few regional variations:

1. Cantonese – For speakers of Cantonese, an example of “this and that” is “嗰個佢” (go3 go3 keoi5).

2. Shanghainese – In Shanghainese, you could use “侬个佢” (gnóng gó cǐ)

Remember, learning the regional variations may be useful in specific contexts, such as traveling to a particular region, but Standard Chinese will ensure broader comprehension.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You now have a solid foundation for expressing “this and that” in Chinese. We covered both formal and informal ways to say it, provided useful tips, example sentences, and even touched upon regional variations. The key is to consistently practice and engage in conversations with native speakers to refine your skills. Embrace the language’s nuances and enjoy your journey towards becoming proficient in Chinese!